His future is boosted by the fact chief executive Ed Woodward is loathed to sack the Dutchman.

He knows it will reflect badly on him given LVG was very much Woodward’s man.

But with Mourinho available for nothing and still regarded as one of the best managers in the business, he knows the chance to appoint him could be one he cannot turn down.

United are masters of keeping their cards close to their chest and the fallen giants refuse to discuss their plans through the media.

Now Woodward will continue to debate the issue with United's American owners the Glazers before making a decision in June - and it will be one that could define his time as the man in charge at Old Trafford.